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What is the max wind speed that you can still trick? I find it totally impossible for me to do anything once it hits around 15mph or so... only can do some half axels at the edge of the window thats all....

Or am i missing something? other tricks seems to be harder in high wind as the kite is not stable but tend to be blown towards centre all the time..

It took me awhile to become comfortable flying in higher winds The first few times were nerve wracking.

I really try to keep everything as simple as possible. Nothing fancy or trying to learn new tricks. I don't want to do anything where a tip wrap and high winds can quickly lead to disaster.

The only tricks I fool around with in high winds are: axles, half axles, cascades, inverse, and insanes. The advanced fliers say the comete is a good high wind trick.

A light pulling kite, is also easier to fly in higher winds. I flew a Widowmaker in higher winds. I thought the kite, performed nicely. There was no sudden bursts of acceleration. Pulled stayed moderate, no matter how hard the wind blew. It felt manageable and tricky, in high winds.

I watched Paul de Bakker fly a Jinx in high gusting winds, that were just ugly. He was able to do a number of tricks. I got to take a turn and the Jinx was surprisingly light on the lines, for being such a big kite.

Chrisple,Everything posted here is good stuff too. I also use sharper, faster inputs for faster rotations in tricking too. Some tricks are easier in higher winds, like the Commete, insane, backspin, etc (just my opinion). Wind brakes help a lot, a heavier weight, heavier lines, and if the kite has one- a setting on the bridle for high winds.

I have watched some very good pilots fly in winds between 15 and 20 mph. The major thing that I noticed is they never (and I mean NEVER) allow the kite to get powered-up. That means that they are always doing a trick.

Very interesting to watch but way beyond my ability.

After 15 mph, I just put a 300 pound line on my Mini-gem and practice patterns.

When it gets to fresh for anything else I get my very old Mini Gem out and punt the little beast around the beach. Last night gusting 18 to low 20's and it was a blast. Axels that look like a science fiction special effect and plenty of other tricks at the edge of the window or right on the deck. Always come back from one of these sessions feeling a bit hysterical. Great Fun. This kite has survived a lot of hard flying and although it look a bit worse for wear it takes whatever you hand out and will still fly in the top of any kites breeze range. It takes a fair amount of footwork on a fresh day. Also flying around the edge of the window to slow the kite enough to initiate tricks works but the main way to get the hang of flying in strong breezes is to go flying in strong breezes. It is fun! Pick some thing with a small sail area and beat one it in breeze till you get the hang of it. You also get to learn how to repair your own kite as you will be keen to get out again before the breeze drops. Go on, follow that white rabbit.

I've seen some of the guru french flyers and others do some amazing flying in high winds. If you are motivated, a lot can be done in higher winds. The comp flyers who are forced to fly in high winds seem to get good at it.

I say do whatever is fun for you. If you're having fun tricking in 20mph, than more power to you.

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